Chapter 8: Collecting Debts in Qing Village
“Didn’t I just borrow fifty thousand last time?” Long Fei frowned slightly, asking in confusion.
“We’re only spending now, nothing coming in. Fifty thousand is just a drop in the bucket. Many of our old dogs in the company have lingering illnesses and rely on medication, which isn’t cheap,” Fu Zhihong replied, a note of helplessness in his voice.
“I’ll find a way to get the money,” Long Fei said softly.
“Commander, you’ve already borrowed quite a bit. For the sake of the company, is all this really worth it?” Fu Zhihong looked at Long Fei, unable to articulate his own complicated feelings at that moment.
He had been transferred to the company not long after Gu Jianfeng left. At first, it felt forced, but now he regarded the company as his home. He had also witnessed Long Fei transform from a dazzlingly talented young man into someone silent and subdued, his edges worn away by hardship.
“One must live and act with a clear conscience. For the company, I believe it’s worth it,” Long Fei replied earnestly.
With that, he picked up the phone and began calling friends and relatives who were well-off, but everyone politely declined.
“Long Fei, there’s really no need for you to do all this for a company that’s barely hanging on.”
Click! Beep, beep, beep...
“Long Fei, if you’re borrowing money for yourself, I have no problem with that. But if it’s for that company of yours, I’m afraid I can’t help.”
Click! Beep, beep, beep...
“Fei, just promise to come back, and I’ll transfer this company to your name immediately!”
Click! Beep, beep, beep...
He made countless calls, but not a single person was willing to lend him money—not even his uncle, who doted on him and was worth over a billion.
“There’s a kennel in Qingzhai that still owes us nearly twenty thousand. I’ll head out first thing in the morning to collect it,” Fu Zhihong said to Long Fei.
Long Fei said nothing, just stood there quietly for a long moment before nodding.
After sending off the regimental commander Yu Hongyang and political commissar Tang Jingtong, Gu Jianfeng also felt uneasy. Though he’d managed to win a reprieve for the company, if there were no results in half a year, he’d have to take the blame.
Though Baiyi had just given birth to a litter, she was a Labrador—her strength was in scent work, but she was otherwise average. Relying on these pups alone, they had no hope of winning a place in the military working dog competition. The contest included both individual and team events, and with the company’s current strength, they probably wouldn’t even make it past the preliminary round.
Calculating the time, Canghai was likely approaching retirement age as well. Truly, when it rains, it pours, Gu Jianfeng thought to himself.
That day, everyone in the company felt a heavy weight on their hearts, as if a stone was pressing down, making it hard to breathe.
The next morning, Gu Jianfeng woke up early as usual to exercise. After washing up, he was preparing to go out for his morning training when he saw Fu Zhihong heading out with a bag.
“Veterinarian Fu, where are you off to so early?” Gu Jianfeng asked.
“Our funds are running low. There’s a kennel in Qingzhai that still owes us some money, so I’m going to collect it,” Fu Zhihong said with a smile. He’d grown fond of Gu Jianfeng, this young man always gave him the impression of hidden depths.
“Haha, it’s been a while since I’ve gone out. I’ll go with you to Qingzhai,” Gu Jianfeng said cheerfully.
“You’re heading out without even asking the commander for leave?” Fu Zhihong shot him a look.
“It’s too early. I’ll send him a message on the way. It’s nothing serious,” Gu Jianfeng replied.
The company was now so marginalized that as long as no major mistakes were made, Long Fei rarely intervened. Even he didn’t know how much longer the company would last.
After trekking dozens of kilometers of mountain roads and taking a bus for over two hours, Fu Zhihong and Gu Jianfeng finally arrived in Qingzhai by late morning.
They grabbed a quick meal at a small restaurant before heading to the kennel.
“There really are a lot of dogs here in Qingzhai!” Gu Jianfeng, though mentally prepared, was still shocked by the sight.
“Qingzhai has a long-standing reputation for dog breeding. It’s no wonder there are so many,” Fu Zhihong explained.
“Purebred golden retriever puppies, cheap—buy one, get one free for a hundred yuan!”
“Three-month-old huskies, crazy low price—eighty yuan each!”
“Authentic German shepherd puppies, don’t miss out—a thousand yuan for a whole litter!”
The cries of vendors filled the air, lively and bustling.
After wandering around, Gu Jianfeng and Fu Zhihong finally arrived at a large gate. An old man sat by the entrance, smoking, sipping strong tea, and listening to an old radio, the picture of leisure.
Fu Zhihong seemed to know the old man; after exchanging greetings, he led Gu Jianfeng inside.
As soon as they entered, Gu Jianfeng caught a strange scent.
“What is it, Jianfeng?” Fu Zhihong asked, noticing he’d stopped.
The two had gotten to know each other well during the journey.
“Old Fu, what’s over there?” Gu Jianfeng pointed to a shed on the left side of the gate.
“That’s where the kennel keeps the mixed-breed pups. They look nice and are pretty popular with young people these days,” Fu Zhihong explained.
Gu Jianfeng nodded and followed him toward the office.
Inside, a young man caught sight of Fu Zhihong and looked as if he’d seen a ghost. He darted inside at once.
“Boss Wang, bad news! The debt collectors are here again!” he announced breathlessly as he burst into the owner’s office.
“Then go stall them! What am I paying you for?” Boss Wang barked.
“Yes, sir!” the young man replied miserably before hurrying out again. It hadn’t been easy for him to land this job—three thousand a month plus benefits. The boss had a temper, but the work was otherwise easy.
“May I ask whom you’re looking for?” the young man at the front desk greeted Fu Zhihong and Gu Jianfeng with a smile.
“Oh, I’m here to see your boss,” Fu Zhihong replied, not slowing his pace as he confidently made his way inside.